6th Istanbul Fashion Connection Opens Its Doors, Showcasing Turkiye’s Leadership in the Global Ready-to-Wear Industry
The 6th Istanbul Fashion Connection (IFCO), Europe’s largest ready-to-wear fashion trade show, has officially opened its doors at the Istanbul Expo Center. Organized by the Istanbul Apparel Exporters’ Association (IHKIB), the prestigious event brings together global fashion industry leaders, including thousands of buyers from over 150 countries across five continents.
In his opening remarks, Mustafa Gultepe, President of the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TIM) and IHKIB, highlighted the significance of attracting nearly 10,000 buyers to Istanbul despite the summer season, demonstrating the global appeal of Turkish fashion. Gultepe emphasized Turkiye’s strength as a global player in the fashion industry, distinguishing itself through its design prowess, speed, quality production, and proximity to major markets like Europe.
Despite facing challenges such as rising input costs and fluctuating currency rates, the Turkish apparel sector remains a key contributor to the economy, with a net export value of $18.6 billion in 2022. The industry’s resilience and strategic focus on design, innovation, branding, and green transformation are expected to sustain its critical role in the country’s economic future.
Source: Patronlardunyasi / Prepared by Irem Yildiz
